Glossary Terms
Vacuum device
A vacuum device is a cylinder with a pump attached that a man can place over his penis in order to create an erection firm enough for intercourse.
Vaginal moisturizers
Vaginal moisturizers are gels that coat the lining of the vagina and help it retain moisture. They are used regularly, every several days, rather than being put on just for sexual activity. They also may help the vagina keep a normal acid level and prevent yeast infections.
Vaginectomy
A vaginectomy is a surgery to remove part or all of the vagina. Total vaginectomy is usually a treatment for vaginal cancer or advanced cancer of the cervix. Parts of the vagina may be removed as part of surgery to treat bladder or colorectal cancer. Vaginal reconstruction is often done at the same time.
Varicoceles
Varicoceles are clusters of enlarged veins in a testicle. Varicoceles can lower sperm counts because they interfere with the temperature of the testicle.
Vinca alkaloids
Vinca alkaloids are anticancer drugs that slow down cancer cell growth by stopping cell division. They are made from the periwinkle plant.
Vulva
The vulva is the sensitive area around the vaginal entrance that includes the outer lips, inner lips, clitoris, the openings of the urinary tube and vagina, and the skin between the vaginal opening and anal opening.
Vulvectomy
A vulvectomy is a surgery to remove part or all of the vulva. In a radical vulvectomy, all of the tissue is removed, including the inner and outer lips and the clitoris. A pelvic lymph node dissection is usually also done. In a partial vulvectomy, only the area around a tumor is removed.
